EVESHAM residents living with dementia and their carers are set to benefit from a project to help them relive their memories from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, using the art of storytelling.

The Suitcase Stories project is being run by Museums Worcestershire that enables adults living with dementia and their carers to relive memories during special workshops.

During the workshops participants in Suitcase Stories hold, touch, smell and feel objects including carbolic soap and old pictures of the Royal Family, which has come from the Museums Worcestershire collection.

Their reactions to the objects - which all fell into themes including holidays, nature and hair and beauty - have helped to inspire stories for storyteller Gavin Young to create a live performance of storytelling and music.

Suitcase performances have been arranged, and the Evesham event will be taking place at Hampton Guide and Scout Hut, from 11.30am on Wednesday, April 5.

Jenny Davis, project manager, said: “It’s been extraordinary to see the participants of the project throw themselves so fully in to it, sharing their memories and stories.

"These memories are to be cherished and I’m so glad that they are being preserved through the stories Gavin Young is creating.

"I’m excited to see the finished performance at the dementia cafes and how the live music will change and enhance those stories.”

The project so far has worked directly with 76 people across the county, with more than 200 more benefitting as a live audience.

The Suitcase Stories project is being supported by Arts Council England, the Elmley Foundation, Worcestershire County Council, Worcestershire Arts Partnership, and Wychavon District Council.

Stories are also be recorded and made available as a podcast and CD. The first three stories are already available on the Museums Worcestershire website, at museumsworcestershire.org.uk.